7 Month Old Cries Every Time I Set Her Down. Any ideas?

Hey everyone-
I have a 7 month old girl who can't stand being set down. I set her in her crib, she cries. I set her in her bouncer, she cries. I set her on the floor, she cries. I set her in her car seat, she cries. The second I even begin my motion to set her down, she starts crying.
As someone who is currently in graduate school for psychology, this is where I am torn. On one hand, I understand that if she's crying and I pick her up, I am reinforcing the behavior of crying. That will, of course, lead to more crying in the future. On the other hand, I know that being comforted and cared for is developmentally significant and I want her to know that the world is a safe place.
Any ideas or suggestions? I am trying to set her down and remain next to her, but it is difficult to do when I need to to use the restroom, for instance, or do laundry and she starts crying immediately when I set her down.
Thanks!

Have you used a sling? As strange as it might seem, a baby who is used to being in a sling close to his/her mother is less clingy. I understand that at 7m your daughter is heavy, but you could do laundry, cooking, even go to the toilet &quot;wearing&quot; your baby and having your hands free. She needs the reassurance. I would try it for a week and see if she stops crying when you set her down.

a BabyCenter member

Answered 12/18/10

2 found this helpful

set her down in the bathroom or laundry room with you, and yes she's is learning that you will pick her up if she cries...she's at that age....so let her cry for a few while she sits at ur feet and you go to the bathroom, do dishes or laundry, mine comes with me and plays on the floor where I'm at if he's grouchy

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